Glad Reunion

The morning was bright and clear as Josh and Joe finished up breakfast at Betsy's place, all packed up and ready to head out to Uncle Charlie's. Joe had mixed emotions about leaving Betsy but knowing she would be coming to the ranch next Sunday, was better than leaving the region altogether. He would cross that bridge when the time came. Josh read him like a book. "Why don't you sit here and have another cup of coffee Joe. I'll mosey down to the bank and come back for ya."

Joe knew Josh was looking out for his best interests. "If you're sure ya don't mind Josh. I could use another cup. Just take yer time brother."

The place was dead quiet that morning, so Betsy pulled up Josh's vacated chair, taking her chances with the boss. "Sunday", she began, "Mama and I could come on out first thing and do church at the ranch. Charlie loves it when we do." She smiled that beautiful smile, looking right into Joe's brown eyes.

"Seems like a long time till Sunday", Joe said and reached across the table for her hand. She blushed; looking down at the empty cup left behind by Josh, but didn't hesitate to take Joe's hand. "I'll miss comin here each day. Mostly I'll miss you - Betsy McLemore.

Her blue eyes sparkled. "I'll miss you too Joseph Reed. " Their eyes held a little longer.

Without warning, gunshots rang out! Joe instinctively ran for the door, Betsy right behind him. Just then four gunmen raced their horses wildly past them, clearly making a getaway. Towns' people were shouting with panic stricken voices, "The bank! Them varmints held up the bank!"

Joe sprinted down the boardwalk, dread gripping him like a vice. "Josh!" he shouted. He could feel it in his own body. Josh was hurt. His fears were confirmed when he burst through the doors and saw his brother lying there, face down in a pool of blood. The scene was surreal. A woman had also been shot in the shoulder; her baby wailing as another woman attempted to calm him. Chaos surrounded Josh, folks shouting, women crying as they tried to tend to him. Joe knelt next to him; felt for a pulse. It was weak but Josh was alive. "Someone get a doctor!" 'Lord please let him live.' At the same time that Joe was praying on Joshua's behalf, he was forming a plan of retaliation. 'Those lowdown cowards shot an unarmed man in the back.' "Come on now Josh. You're gonna be okay. Come on now brother. " Tears blurred his eyes as he looked up to see Betsy coming through the door with the doctor.